WARRI VOICE EDITORIAL – In the wake of a viral video circulating across platforms like Instagram and Linda Ikeji’s Blog, a wave of "digital opinions" has crashed against the ancient walls of Itsekiri tradition. The footage, captured at the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, shows the security detail of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, preventing a young lady from initiating a handshake with the monarch.
While the "cancel culture" of the internet has been quick to label the move as aggressive, Warri Voice stands firmly with the throne. This was not an act of hostility; it was a necessary enforcement of Iwere (Warri) Kingdom's sacred protocols. To understand the security’s actions is to understand the weight of the crown itself.
The King is Not a "Celebrity"—He is the Ogiame
The primary disconnect in the online debate is the mistaken belief that a traditional ruler is a "public figure" or "celebrity" in the Western sense. In the Warri Kingdom, the Olu is the Supreme Authority—the spiritual and physical embodiment of over 500 years of history.
As the Afomasin (the one whose pronouncements never fail), the Olu’s person is sacred. His security team’s role extends beyond protecting him from physical harm; they are the guardians of the throne’s sanctity. Allowing an uninitiated handshake is not just a breach of manners; it is a violation of the "Aura of the Crown" that has been preserved since the first Olu, Ginuwa I, arrived from the Benin Kingdom in 1480.
Handshakes and the Hierarchy of Respect
In Itsekiri culture, physical contact is a privilege granted by the monarch, not a right demanded by the subject. Here is the cultural reality that critics are ignoring:
Initiation is Royal: A subject, visitor, or official—regardless of their status—must never extend their hand toward the Ogiame. The King is the only one who can initiate a handshake. If he does not extend his hand, a respectful bow or a genuflection is the only appropriate response.
The Guard’s Duty: When the security aide "slapped down" the lady’s hand (as described by some), he was performing a reactive duty to prevent a "touch" that had not been royally sanctioned. In the palace, this is a standard protective measure to ensure the King’s person remains untainted by casual or accidental contact.
The Gender Nuance: Traditional protocols often involve even stricter rules regarding contact between the King and the opposite gender in public settings, a practice rooted in centuries of decorum.
Learning the Ogiame's Presence: A Guide for the Public
Meetings with the Olu of Warri are not casual encounters. Whether you are at an event in Lagos, London, or the Palace at Ode-Itsekiri, these rules are non-negotiable:
The Salutation: The correct greeting is to bow or kneel and exclaim "Ogiame!" to which the traditional response is "Suo!"
Maintain Distance: Unless invited closer, one should maintain a respectful distance that acknowledges the King’s status as a "divine ruler."
No Direct Initiation: Do not speak until addressed, and certainly do not reach out to touch his garments or his person.
The "Eye Contact" Rule: In deep tradition, one does not stare directly into the eyes of the King for prolonged periods; a lowered gaze is a sign of ultimate submission and respect.
Ogiame’s Grace Amidst the Breach
What many failed to notice in the video was the Olu's reaction. Even as his security enforced the law, Ogiame Atuwatse III remained the epitome of a modern, graceful monarch. He did not scold the lady; he did not look away in anger. He smiled and acknowledged her presence with royal dignity.
This balance—of the security being firm while the King remains kind—is exactly how the monarchy has survived for half a millennium. The Ogiame is a father to all, but a father who must be respected.
Conclusion: A Call for Cultural Literacy
We at Warri Voice urge our readers and the wider Nigerian public to prioritize cultural literacy over social media outrage. The Olu of Warri represents a legacy that predates the modern state of Nigeria. To demand that he "act casual" is to ask him to betray the ancestors who entrusted him with the Iwere crown.
We salute the palace security for their vigilance. They did their job so the Ogiame could do his. To the young lady and others like her: let this be a lesson in the beauty and discipline of our heritage.
Ogiame! Suo!
Next Steps for Readers
Share this post: Educate others on the protocols of the Warri Kingdom.
Comment below: Do you think our traditional schools should teach these protocols to the younger generation?
Stay Informed: Follow Warri Voice for more exclusive insights into the culture and news of the Delta.
Watch the historic coronation of Ogiame Atuwatse III
This video provides important context on the deep-rooted procedures and the oath of allegiance that define the weight of the Warri throne.
